According to WHO, liver disorder is the 10th most common cause of deaths in India.

According to WHO, liver disorder is the 10th most common cause of deaths in India.

World Liver Day, commemorated on April 19 every year, is a chance to build awareness and understand how important the liver is for our body and how liver diseases can be effectively managed.

Liver is the second largest organ in the body and is a key player in our body's digestive system. Everything we consume, including medicine, passes through the liver.

It fights infections, regulates blood sugar, removes toxins, controls cholesterol, making proteins and releases bile to help digestion. We cannot survive without the liver, it can be easily damaged if we don't take proper care.

Symptoms of liver damage do not present themselves till very late. Diseases such as hepatitis A, B, C, Hepatocellular cancer and cirrhosis often occur because of bad lifestyle choices, excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs, continuous intake of unhealthy food over a long period of time, sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise.

Currently, there is no cure for a severely diseased liver and therefore it is critical to take care of this multi-functionary organ and gland. The only way to manage a failed liver is to get a liver transplant.

This World Liver Day, Fortis Healthcare encourages you to understand your liver and take care of it:

World Liver Day: It’s time to understand your liver better

Causes for liver disease

Can be inherited or genetic

Unhealthy lifestyle and eating patterns

Hepatitis A, B and C infections

High intake of alcoholic drinks, high cholesterol foods

High BMI (body mass index), which is associated with Type 2 diabetes risk